Herbsaint, New Orleans, Louisiana

Concierge.com's insider take:

Chef Donald Link started his local empire with this gem of a bistro in the Central Business District. His trademark small plates balance substance with finesse, while his excellent cocktail selection predated the mixology craze. Link's take on shrimp and grits goes crunchy instead of gooey: Slabs of grits with diced green chiles are fried and then drizzled with a rich cream sauce spiked with smoked pork. A native of southern Louisiana, Link always offers a rich daily gumbo (varying by season) as well as brasserie favorites like perfectly seared hanger steak with frites. But he really shines when he mixes the two idioms in dishes like duck-leg confit with dirty rice or chile-glazed pork belly. The ambiance is airy and minimal without being too fussy. Street-level windows dominate the main room and give a relaxing view of the classic St. Charles streetcars rumbling past. Can't get enough? Book a table at Cochon, Link's Warehouse District restaurant, which serves modern takes on rustic Cajun fare.